www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, September 7, 2023
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IN THIS ISSUE
USS George Washington hosts education fair The USS George Washington teamed up with colleges and universities to host an education fair onboard Aug. 29. Representatives from 15 schools talked with Sailors about the importance of continued education and the resources available for them. Page A5
VOL. 31, NO. 31, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
September 7-September 13, 2023
(NORFOLK, Va.) Aug. 26, 2023 - Four Sailors, assigned to various commands around the Hampton Roads area, and Military Working Dog Xxazu, throw the first pitches of the Norfolk Tides Navy Night Game at Harbor Park baseball field Aug. 26, 2023. The Norfolk Tides Navy Night is an annual event that aims to recognize and honor the Naval personnel living in the Hampton Roads area. BELOW: Capt. Jip Mosman, the commanding officer of Norfolk Naval Shipyard, gives the oath of enlistment with four new Sailors at Harbor Park baseball field during the Norfolk Tides Navy Night (US NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JOSEPH T. MILLER)
Sailors attend Norfolk Tides Navy Night baseball game By MC2 Joseph T. Miller
NORFOLK, Va. — Sailors and civilians from installations around Hampton Roads attended the Norfolk Tides Navy Night at Harbor Park Stadium, Aug. 26. The Norfolk Tides Navy Night baseball game has taken place for over 20 years and is a way for the local community to honor those individuals that heed the call of military service. “It’s important to have a strong relationship with the Navy, as they make up a big part of the community here, and in the surrounding areas,” said Drew Camp, the corporate sponsorship and promotions account executive for the Norfolk Tides. “Being a major sports team in the area - it’s nice to have events like these to show support. We are happy to have Sailors here and we love to show support both on and off the field.” The opening ceremony began with the introduction of four command representatives: Capt. Jip Mosman, the commanding officer of Norfolk Naval Shipyard; Capt. Josh Appezzato, the executive officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana; Lt. Cmdr. Roger Blake, the commanding officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads Northwest Annex; and Capt. Matt Schlarmann, the executive officer of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk. “It’s always an honor to represent the
Sailors and civilian work force at NAVSTA Norfolk. The Navy and in particular NAVSTA Norfolk is such a large part of the Hampton Roads community and we truly appreciate the great partnership,” said Schlarmann. “The Norfolk Tides did an amazing job honoring the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads area.” After their introduction, Capt. Mosman, along with four prospective Sailors, gathered at home plate. From there, Mosman gave the
oath of enlistment and swore in the new Sailors in front of the crowd. Following the conclusion of the swearing in, four Sailors - the “Sailor of the Year’’ from four of the installations in attendance - each threw the first pitch simultaneously. This group was made up of Culinary Specialist 1st Class Tereca Cameron, assigned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek; Operations Specialist 1st Class Ayisha Langford, assigned to NSA Hampton Roads; Master-
at-Arms 3rd Class Adrian Marcou and Military Working Dog Xxazu, assigned to NAS Oceana; and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Stephine Owens, assigned to NAVSTA Norfolk. “When I was first asked if I wanted to throw first pitch for the opening of “Navy Night” I did not hesitate in taking the opportunity to do it,” said Owens. “I thought it was really great that my chain of command thought of me. I’m really thankful for this opportunity. The experience is truly one of a kind. It’s not every day that you could say you threw first pitch for an opening of a minor league baseball team. It really is nice to know that a little bit of hard work goes a long way, and the reward is great.” Following the first pitch of the game, members of the U.S. Fleet Forces Band played the National Anthem and were accompanied by the NAVSTA Norfolk Color Guard. After the anthem’s conclusion, a fly over of the stadium was conducted by Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 “Sea Dragons” in an MH-53E helicopter. During the seventh inning stretch the usual practice of singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was preceded by a moment of silence for fallen troops and a special presentation, and the night ended with a large fireworks display after the 9th inning.
NAVSTA Norfolk MWR hosts MLB Umpire Camp By DC3 Ashley N. Pierson NORFOLK, Va. — Sailors assigned to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk participated in a Major League Baseball (MLB) Umpire Training Camp on historic McClure Field onboard Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 25. This day of training was coordinated by the NAVSTA Norfolk’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team. The 40 Sailors that attended the training camp learned the skills associated with the trade of being a professional MLB Umpire. This was the first time NAVSTA Norfolk hosted the MLB Umpire Camp and the first time NAVSTA Norfolk Sailors here interacted with MLB professionals on McClure
Field since the original Navy World Series in 1943. “For us there is no better place than McClure Field, to host an event that welcomes MLB in a way,” said Anthony Benning, NAVSTA Norfolk’s MWR Fitness and Sports Director. “The field’s history has deep roots in its connection with professional baseball and creates a terrific environment.” The Sailors in attendance learned proper stances for making calls and how to move into proper position to gain vantage points for making accurate calls. They also learned the details of calling balls and strikes as well Turn to Umpire Camp, Page 7
Sailors receive pitch calling training from Major League Baseball (MLB) Umpires during an MLB Umpire Camp at McClure Field baseball stadium onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 25, 2023. The MLB Umpire Camp allows Sailors to experience what pro umpires go through during their training cycle. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JOSEPH T. MILLER)
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Riders from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force recently traveled to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, to work together toward one common, critical goal: making their motorcycle riders safer. Riders participated in the Department of Defense Motorcycle Mentorship Program beta test Aug. 14-18. Page A3
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